As Easter approaches, many shoppers in Poland are preparing for the last-minute rush on Wielka Sobota, or Great Saturday, which falls on April 19, 2025. This day marks the final opportunity for consumers to stock up on essential items before the holiday, but it also comes with specific regulations regarding store hours and operations.
According to Polish law, particularly the Labor Code and the Act of January 10, 2018, on restricting trade on Sundays and holidays, shops will be permitted to operate only until 14:00 on Wielka Sobota. However, the majority of major retail chains have announced even shorter hours. For instance, popular stores like Lidl and Carrefour will close their doors by 13:00, while others like Biedronka and Netto will follow suit by 13:30.
As the clock strikes 14:00, shopping options will become severely limited. After this time, consumers will only be able to purchase goods from select establishments, including gas stations, pharmacies, and smaller local shops, where sales can be conducted by the owners or their families. This restriction aims to ensure that employees can spend the holiday with their families, as the day is not considered a statutory holiday, but rather a day of preparation before Easter Sunday.
Violating the trading ban can lead to significant penalties, with fines reaching up to 100,000 zł for businesses that fail to comply. Employers who deliberately disregard these regulations could even face criminal charges. Therefore, it is crucial for shoppers to plan their visits accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Many retailers have already communicated their adjusted hours, encouraging customers to complete their shopping early. For instance, on Wielka Sobota, stores such as Biedronka will be open until 13:30, while Lidl will close at 13:00. Other chains like Auchan and Carrefour will also cease operations by early afternoon. Shoppers are urged to take note of these changes and complete their purchases well before the cutoff time.
In addition to shopping restrictions, the public transport system in Poznań will also undergo changes during the Easter period. Starting from April 17, 2025, the schedule will be adjusted to accommodate the holiday. On Wielka Sobota, the bus lines 121, 149, 170, 181, 186, and 416 will operate only until 14:00. Bus lines 145, 153, 157, 159, 163, 167, 176, 179, and 196 will continue to run until 18:00. Meanwhile, tram lines 5, 11, and 15 will also stop service at 18:00, with line 6 extending its route to Junikowo after that time.
On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, night bus and tram lines will operate until 8:00 AM, with daytime services commencing around 8:00 AM. Various tram and bus lines will operate according to a holiday schedule, with some exceptions for lines 11 and certain daytime bus routes, which will be suspended.
For those in need of pharmacy services during the holiday, several 24-hour pharmacies will remain open in Poznań. Notable locations include Apteka „Wielkopolska” at al. Solidarności 36, Apteka „Dr Max” at ul. Głogowska 120, and Apteka „Pamiątkowa” at os. Czecha 79. Additionally, duty pharmacies such as Apteka „Dbam o Zdrowie” and Apteka „Ziko” will also be available during limited hours.
As families prepare for Easter celebrations, it is essential to remember that Easter Sunday and Easter Monday will see a complete ban on trade, with most shops closed, except for select establishments like pharmacies and gas stations. This regulation aims to respect the holiday's significance and allow individuals to observe it in a traditional manner.
In summary, Wielka Sobota serves as a crucial day for last-minute shopping in Poland, but shoppers must be mindful of the time restrictions in place. With many stores closing earlier than usual and a complete ban on trade during Easter itself, planning ahead is vital to ensure that all necessary preparations are made. As the holiday approaches, local communities are gearing up for a time of reflection and celebration, and adhering to these regulations will help facilitate a smooth transition into the Easter festivities.
